The Rockies came to spring training pretty well set with their key players, and nothing changed in the spring. RHP Jason Hirsh, projected as the No. 4 starter, will open on the disabled list because of a strained right rotator cuff. 2B Jayson Nix is the only new face in the lineup.

ROTATION:

1. LHP Jeff Francis

2. RHP Aaron Cook

3. RHP Ubaldo Jimenez

4. LHP Mark Redman

5. LHP Franklin Morales

The first three spots in the rotation were set before spring training opened. Morales and Redman wound up with the two other spots more out of a lack of alternatives than anything else.

RHP Kip Wells will be in the bullpen with the idea he could move into the rotation. RHP Jason Hirsh probably will miss two months, and RHP Greg Reynolds, the Rockies' top draft pick in 2006, could be ready for a promotion by midseason.

BULLPEN:

RHP Manny Corpas (closer)

LHP Brian Fuentes

RHP Luis Vizcaino

RHP Matt Herges

RHP Taylor Buchholz

RHP Kip Wells

LHP Micah Bowie

Fuentes gives the Rockies depth and protection. A three-time All-Star closer, he will share setup duties with Vizcaino. The Rockies can use Fuentes and Vizcaino in the seventh or eighth innings, based on matchups. Fuentes also can close if Corpas needs a day off or if Corpas gets hurt or struggles.

Fuentes he can get out right-handed hitters as well as lefties. Bowie had a strong spring, and he earned a spot over RHP Ramon Ramirez, who was dealt to Kansas City. RHP Ryan Speier pitched well but was a victim of the numbers game because he had an option left.

LINEUP:

1. CF Willy Taveras

2. SS Troy Tulowitzki

3. 1B Todd Helton

4. LF Matt Holliday

5. 3B Garrett Atkins

6. RF Brad Hawpe

7. C Yorvit Torrealba

8. 2B Jayson Nix

Helton and Holliday are flipping spots in the lineup. Helton gets on base more often, but more than that it is the idea of challenging the opposing managers to make late-inning decisions. If a left-handed reliever comes in to face Helton, he would have to face Holliday and Atkins if he were to pitch to Hawpe.

Taveras is critical because he is the only base-stealing threat in the lineup. He was sidelined twice last year with leg problems.

RESERVES:

C Chris Iannetta

INF Clint Barmes

INF Jeff Baker

OF Ryan Spilborghs

OF Scott Podsednik

If Taveras gets hurt, Podsednik could give them a stolen-base threat at the top of the lineup. Barmes and Baker both will get time at second base, too, most likely. They were right behind Nix in the spring second base derby. Whichever one of the three that gets hot figures to get the chance to play.

ROOKIE WATCH: 2B Jayson Nix won the second base job. The Rockies' top draft pick in 2001, Nix is a defensive wiz. He showed some offensive talent during the spring. He has power in his bat. Nix will have to be patient at the plate, however, because he is going to hit eighth.

MEDICAL WATCH:

RHP Jason Hirsh (strained right rotator cuff) likely will miss the first two months of the season.

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